At PGS, we are educating the leaders of tomorrow and are committed to ensuring that when our pupils leave us, they are fully equipped to thrive in the world beyond school.
Throughout their time at PGS, pupils are given opportunities to develop as leaders. Coaching our young people to be confident leaders is something that is firmly integrated into almost every aspect of school life and comprises three key principles:
- Before one can lead others, they must first be able to lead themselves
- Self-leadership is a skill that must be fostered from early years through to the Sixth Form
- Pupils must be given a wide range of opportunities to practice their leadership skills, both in and outside of school
Young people understanding their place in the world and experiencing the true joy of helping others is a fundamental part of their education. Through our expansive network and many strategic partners, our pupils can facilitate a whole range of fulfilling projects and initiatives in our local community. All our pupils learn to make a positive and rewarding impact on the world around them.
Junior School
From Year 3 onwards, learning is enhanced through weekly 'Debating and Current Affairs' lessons, ensuring pupils are confident speakers, critical thinkers and aware of global issues. There are also opportunities to sit on Junior School Councils for their year groups and on the Eco-Council. Pupils are also able to develop leadership skills, House Leaders and Monitors, and to become Prefects in Year 6.
Middle School
Within the House system, there are many opportunities to demonstrate and develop leadership skills. Pupils can become a Mentor, a Sports Captain, a Performing Arts Captain, a charity representative or even a House Captain. There is also the opportunity to train as an Anti-Bullying Ambassador in Year 7.
Middle School Council and Welfare Committee
Each Tutor Group, including those in Year 7, nominates a representative to sit on the Middle School Council, which meets once every half term and discusses issues relevant to the Middle School pupils. The Council makes recommendations to the Whole School Council, who meet termly. The Welfare Committee meet half-termly to discuss pupil wellbeing, raise ideas suggesting and identify areas of development.
Upper School
As pupils enter Year 9, there are further opportunities to develop leadership skills, including within the House system and on Pupil Councils. Other opportunities to explore leadership also open up within the co-curricular during the Upper School years, such as within the Combined Cadet Force or embarking on the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Year 10.
Sixth Form
The PGS Sixth Form is full of opportunities, enjoyment and challenges – and as the most senior pupils in the school, they get to lead and to be role models for many of the activities they enjoy. In particular, the Sixth Form years provide opportunities for leadership such as:
- Prefect Training & School and House Prefecting
- Sixth Form Council
- Peer Mentoring
- Sports Captains (at School or House level)
- Leadership roles in Music and Drama
- Outdoor Leadership
- MUN Leadership
- Portmuthian Editorial team
- Organising a society or club
- Organising charitable events
